A Shocking Bail Decision Leaves Switzerland's NYE Fire Victims' Families Disappointed
French bar owner Jacques Moretti was released from custody on Friday after paying bail, sparking outrage among victims' families who were expecting him to face more severe punishment. The decision has left many questioning the justice system in Switzerland.
Moretti, along with his wife Jessica, is under investigation for manslaughter by negligence and other charges related to the deadly fire that killed 40 people and injured 116 at their bar, Le Constellation, during New Year's celebrations last month. Prosecutors claim the fire was caused by a series of negligence and poor safety measures.
The bail of $250,000, which was paid on behalf of Moretti, seems excessively low considering the severity of the tragedy. Critics argue that the punishment does not reflect the gravity of the incident, sparking widespread condemnation from victims' families.
"It's a scandal and a disgrace to the victims and their families," said Jean-Luc Addor, a lawyer for one of the victims' families. The Compulsory Measures Court in Wallis canton ordered standard measures instead of detention, including restrictions on Moretti's movement and reporting daily to a police station.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has called it "a real affront" to the victims' families, stating that his country will strengthen support and solidarity with them while working together to uncover the truth behind the tragedy. The situation highlights concerns about accountability in Switzerland's justice system following such tragic events.
Meanwhile, around 70 injured people are still being treated in Swiss hospitals, with some requiring specialized care due to severe burns. Patients have been transferred between facilities for different stages of treatment, and a few remain in serious conditions.
The investigation into the fire continues, with Moretti and his wife facing further questioning. The court has yet to set a date for their next hearing.
French bar owner Jacques Moretti was released from custody on Friday after paying bail, sparking outrage among victims' families who were expecting him to face more severe punishment. The decision has left many questioning the justice system in Switzerland.
Moretti, along with his wife Jessica, is under investigation for manslaughter by negligence and other charges related to the deadly fire that killed 40 people and injured 116 at their bar, Le Constellation, during New Year's celebrations last month. Prosecutors claim the fire was caused by a series of negligence and poor safety measures.
The bail of $250,000, which was paid on behalf of Moretti, seems excessively low considering the severity of the tragedy. Critics argue that the punishment does not reflect the gravity of the incident, sparking widespread condemnation from victims' families.
"It's a scandal and a disgrace to the victims and their families," said Jean-Luc Addor, a lawyer for one of the victims' families. The Compulsory Measures Court in Wallis canton ordered standard measures instead of detention, including restrictions on Moretti's movement and reporting daily to a police station.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has called it "a real affront" to the victims' families, stating that his country will strengthen support and solidarity with them while working together to uncover the truth behind the tragedy. The situation highlights concerns about accountability in Switzerland's justice system following such tragic events.
Meanwhile, around 70 injured people are still being treated in Swiss hospitals, with some requiring specialized care due to severe burns. Patients have been transferred between facilities for different stages of treatment, and a few remain in serious conditions.
The investigation into the fire continues, with Moretti and his wife facing further questioning. The court has yet to set a date for their next hearing.
swiss justice system is literally a joke! $250k bail for manslaughtering 40 people? that's like paying a fine for being late with your taxes or something. its all about the benjamins and who got deep pockets, not about making sure ppl r held accountable for their actions 
how can they not punish someone to the max after an incident like this? 
. $250k is just laughable considering all the lives that were lost. And what really gets me is that he's still walking free. The families are already grieving and now they have to deal with this? It's a slap in the face, if you ask me 
. I don't think it reflects poorly on Switzerland as much as it does on their justice system. I mean, how can you set bail like that after something so horrific? 
. A $250,000 bail seems laughably low given the severity of the tragedy 
. One can't help but wonder if the justice system in Switzerland is prioritizing expediency over accountability 
. The victims' families are understandably outraged and feel that their voices aren't being heard 
. This case raises important questions about the culpability of those responsible for such a heinous act 
. As we wait to see how this investigation unfolds, it's essential to prioritize transparency and justice for the families affected 
.
. It's like the justice system in Switzerland is more concerned about being fair to Moretti than making sure justice is served for the victims and their families 
.
40 people died and 116 were injured, that's a huge tragedy 
. He's taking responsibility by facing charges and we should give him some credit for that 
?
.
. I mean, $250k seems like a drop in the ocean considering all that went down 
. And now, the injured people are still dealing with the aftermath, some even in serious conditions 
.
.
. And to think, the whole thing was preventable if they'd just followed basic safety protocols... it's just heartbreaking 
. Switzerland needs to step up its game when it comes to holding people accountable for such tragedies 
.
. It's like they're not taking the severity of the situation seriously at all. And now Moretti's just walking free? 
We need to know what happened and who's responsible for this tragedy. The investigation needs to keep going and Moretti and his wife need to face the consequences of their actions. 
It's not just about accountability, it's about making sure something like this never happens again 
cant believe the system can be so lax 
. I'm not saying we should be calling for his head on a spike or anything, but can't we just demand some sort of accountability here?
This bail decision is just so messed up 
and the justice system needs a serious shake-up 
I mean, standard measures for a manslaughter charge? 